Causes of Hypertension

There is no definite cause for primary hypertension. It gradually develops as the age progresses due to unhealthy food habits like eating too much salt, preserved, canned foods, deep fried oily foods, stress, obesity, lack of physical exercise, hereditary reasons, drug abuse, using tobacco, alcohol and smoking.

Secondary hypertension is caused due to underlying medical conditions and medications. It includes thyroid and kidney problems, sleep apnea, congenital defective blood vessels, tumors in the adrenal gland. Medications include birth control pills, painkillers, decongestants etc. can also cause hypertension.

Studies show increase in prevalence of hypertension among Indians in recent years. Data shows in urban populations that are exposed to stress of modernisation, the hypertension prevalence rates have more than doubled in the last 30 years. On the other hand, in rural populations there is only a small increase.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

The most dangerous aspect of hypertension is that you may not know that you are suffering from it. Hence, it is also called as ‘the silent killer’. Initially, there are no symptoms and going for regular checkups is the only way to identify high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is extremely high you may notice the following symptoms:

Severe headache

Visual disturbance

Chest pain

Irregular heartbeat

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath

Bleeding nose

Blood in urine

Anxiety, confusion

Dizziness

Complications of Hypertension

If you fail to identify that you are suffering with hypertension or if you are not attempting to manage it by proper medication and lifestyle changes you may face the following complications:

Stroke

Kidney failure

Heart attacks

In a pregnant women high blood pressure may lead to preeclampsia,a very dangerous condition affecting both mother and baby.

Loss of vision

Trouble in memory and understanding

Management of Hypertension

Both lifestyle changes and medications play an equal role in management of hypertension.

Allopathic Medicines and Possible Side Effects:

Modern allopathic medicines include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, Vasodilators, etc. These drugs are selected according to your age, stage of hypertension and other associated complications. These drugs may have side effects like:

Increased urinary frequency

Weakness, cramps in legs

Fatigue

Erection problem in men

Very rarely gout

Depression

Sleep disturbance

Dry cough

Constipation

Oedema in legs

Natural Remedies for Hypertension:

Natural remedies such as diet, exercise, herbs, meditation and yoga, which has no side effects, may be quite sufficient to manage hypertension. However, severe hypertension requires physician’s supervision. If you are already under medication, try ayurvedic remedies with your doctor’s knowledge. Later gradually you can reduce the dosage of your allopathic medicines.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Hypertension

Mix ½ tsp of gokshura churna in 1 glass of milk , ½ glass of water and boil till it reduced to 1 glass. Drink this before going to bed.

Mix 1 tsp of Brahmi churna in a tsp of honey and take on an empty stomach in the early morning.

Some formulation like Mukta vati is known to control hypertension effectively.

Ayurvedic therapies like abhyanga, shirodhara, shiropichu,thalam are very beneficial.

Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension:

There are several treatments in ayurveda which helps in reducing the blood pressure and the stress and anxiety associated with it. Some of them include:

Shirodhara with ksheeram/tailam/takram – pouring of medicated oils/ milk/ buttermilk over the head.

Savasana – an easy way to control hypertension:

Savasana is the effective way for relaxation. Lie flat on your back with arms by your sides, breathing slowly and deeply. Observe the flow of your breath and your abdomen movements. As you inhale your abdomen should bulge out, as you exhale it should sink in. You will notice that after each inhalation and exhalation there will be a quick pause. In that pause, stay quiet for few seconds. This practice will bring you deep relaxation. Practice this for 15 minutes daily.

Hypertension is a life threatening disease and will lead to serious complications if you do not take steps to bring down your high blood pressure. It is wise to practice all remedies under the guidance of an expert.